Guwahati, Sept. 6: A permanent police picket will be posted near Basistha temple in the city to keep vigil against criminal elements in the area.

An official source in the Kamrup (metro) district administration told The Telegraph that the decision was taken following additional chief secretary M.G.V.K. Bhanu's visit to the area a few days ago.

During his visit, Bhanu interacted with the residents of the area and the temple authority to take stock of problems faced by them.

According to local residents, because of inadequate police patrolling, the area, especially at night, becomes a den of anti-social activities like drinking, gambling and eve-teasing.

They complained that after dark, drunks often create nuisance in the area, which is a popular pilgrimage and tourist spot in the city. The scenic and lush green beauty, in and around Basistha temple and ashram¸ which is known to be once the hermitage of Maharishi Basistha, has always been a favourite hunting ground for revellers.

The source said the permanent picket would have six to seven policemen from the armed branch of the police.

He said there is a proposal to set up a police outpost or a patrol post in the area under the jurisdiction of Basistha police station.

"The police picket is a stop-gap arrangement till the time this proposal materialises," he said.

After his visit, Bhanu had also asked Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner M. Angamuthu to prepare a plan to develop the area.

The source said the district administration would develop the area by involving government agencies such as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, traffic police, water resources, forests and health departments.

"Local public organisations will also be involved," he said.

According to the source, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and public health engineering department have been tasked to improve the drinking water facilities in the temple and its surrounding areas.

"A new bus stand will be constructed, besides making provisions for adequate number of toilets and changing rooms (for men and women)," he said.

There is also a plan to improve other basic facilities for pilgrims and tourists as a large number of them, not only from the state but also from outside, visit the temple every day.

Ahom king Rajeswar Singha is believed to have constructed Basistha temple between 1751 and 1769.

The temple, which is located close to the juncture of three hill streams, Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta, and its surrounding areas are also endowed with terracotta and stone sculptures.